Series 3

Billed as a "media player," the Mark Levinson No.51 is said to optimize five different design features: its chassis, transport, power supply, video processor and audio processor.

But does the No.51 play SACDs? No. DVD-As? No again. DVD-Vs and CDs only. The price has not yet been set, but will likely fall between $10,000 and $15,000.

NAD's solid and gorgeous Masters Series components will begin shipping in November, but all models were on display and in use at CEDIA. Above is the M15 surround-sound preamp/processor ($2999), which is the mate for...

...the M25 multichannel amp ($2999), which outputs 160 watts to seven channels.

The M55 ($1799) is a multichannel universal A/V player...

...and M3 ($2799) a stereo integrated amplifier.

The build quality and fit'n'finish of the Masters Series products look to be the equal of many pricey high-end brands. [www.nadelectronics.com]